The 380 RNs affected by the negotiations work in the San Mateo Medical Center, outpatient clinics, long-term care centers, public health department, community mental health department and jails, CNA representatives reported.

“We choose to work in the public health care arena because we believe in giving back to our community,” Anna Wilson, an RN in the psychiatric unit of the San Mateo Medical Center, said in a statement. “We don’t expect to make what private hospitals pay their RNs, but the county nurses are among the lowest paid in the Bay Area.”

According to CNA leaders, the wage proposal offered to the nurses is less than the cost-of-living index in the county, creating a significant impact on the county’s ability to retain RNs. The CNA reports that the county has seen a 50 percent turnover rate of RNs since 2001.

Negotiations between the nurses and the county began in late January, and the nursing contracts expired on March 25.

CNA leaders and several nurses will address the Board of Supervisors today at 9 a.m. at 400 County Center in Redwood City.